Whether you are a patient or visitor at Sunrise Hospital, we want your experience with us to be as pleasant as possible. We have provided helpful information to help you during your stay or while visiting a patient in the hospital.

Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. A physical exam will be done. If you have risk factors for
HIV
or the doctor suspects you may be infected, a test can be ordered.
Since HIV infection can exist without any symptoms, it is important to be tested. Testing is especially important if you are engaged in behavior that increases your risk for infection, such as unprotected sex or drug use.

HIV tests include:

Rapid testing through a saliva test. Results can be ready within a half hour.

ELISA or
Western blot
tests—blood tests to determine if the immune system has recognized the HIV virus

HIV RNA assay—to detect the HIV virus itself

Blood tests are the only way to be absolutely sure of the diagnosis. These tests will need to be done even if a rapid test is positive. A correct diagnosis is important because it will start the treatment process.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

AIDS Diagnosis. University of California at San Francisco Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/aids/diagnosis.html. Accessed November 19, 2013.

A guide to primary care of people with HIV/AIDS. National Institute of Health and Human Services website. Available at: http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/files/primary2004ed.pdf. Accessed November 2013.

HIV Basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html. Updated November 8, 2013. Accessed November 19, 2013.